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VCE Stuff => VCE Science => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Chemistry => Topic started by: ziaxadon on February 08, 2018, 11:46:41 pm

Title: Emission Spectra
Post by: ziaxadon on February 08, 2018, 11:46:41 pm

Hey if an atom has a full valence shell, when heated can its electrons reach an excited state?

Title: Re: Emission Spectra
Post by: keltingmeith on February 09, 2018, 01:18:31 am

Quote from: ziaxadon on February 08, 2018, 11:46:41 pm

Hey if an atom has a full valence shell, when heated can its electrons reach an excited state?

Absolutely - here's the emission lines of hydrogen and helium:

(http://www.ice-age-ahead-iaa.ca/small/hydrogen_helium_comparison.jpg)

Just because the shells it's currently using are full, doesn't mean the electrons can't jump into shell the atom isn't using. They still exist, they're just not in use, so heating the atom will put them in use.